Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki with Rice is an easy, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts bake atop a bed of fluffy rice soaked in savory chicken broth, all enhanced by creamy tzatziki sauce. Garnished with fresh cucumbers, parsley, and a hint of lemon, this Greek-inspired dish delivers comforting Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Diced cucumbers
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to allow it to reach the perfect temperature for baking the chicken and rice evenly.
- Prepare the Rice Base: Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it’s submerged and ready to absorb the liquid during baking.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl or on a plate, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice in the baking dish. Spoon the tzatziki sauce evenly over each piece of chicken, which will add creaminess and a refreshing cucumber-yogurt flavor as it bakes.
- Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This step cooks both the rice and chicken thoroughly while keeping moisture locked in.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This helps the chicken brown slightly and allows any excess liquid to evaporate, ensuring the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with diced cucumbers, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness and vibrant color before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with water, but broth adds more flavor to the rice.
- Store-bought tzatziki works well, but homemade tzatziki offers a fresher, creamier taste.
- Feel free to add extra herbs like dill or mint to the tzatziki for an herbal twist.
- If you prefer, use brown rice but increase the baking time and liquid accordingly.
- Ensure the baking dish is covered tightly to prevent drying out the chicken and rice.
